Perini Navi Cup 2009 - Maltese Falcon leads

by YCCS Press Office on 5 Sep 2009 Perini Navi Cup 2009 Day one and the 88 metre Maltese Falcon has taken victory. An average of 25 to 30 knots of westerly wind and a 25 mile course through the granite islands of the La Maddalena archipelago made for the perfect setting for the 18 Perini Navi racing today in the third edition of the event, organized this year by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The 64 metre Felicità West came in second in corrected time with the 46 metre Antara in third place.

From the starting line off Porto Cervo, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s Race Committee set a 25 mile course which took the fleet north to Monaci Island before doubling back on a long reaching leg, past the Isola delle Bisce and continuing south to the island of Mortoriotto. After leaving Mortoriotto to starboard the fleet completed a final beat to the finish line just off the entrance to Porto Cervo.

The start procedure was pursuit style with starts every two minutes. The fastest boat around the course was the 56 metre Salute which crossed the finish line after approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes of navigation. The pursuit system worked well with the boats becoming more closely grouped as they went around the course and yachts crossing the finish line as little as 17 seconds apart.

Giancarlo Ragnetti, CEO of Perini Navi enjoyed sailing aboard Maltese Falcon today. 'It was a wonderful day. The wind was perfect for these yachts and they showed their full potential. Some confirmed their past history by arriving at the front of the fleet. I hope that we will have just as good a day again tomorrow. Stronger winds are predicted but everyone is having so much fun that it will be a great day whatever the conditions.'

The strong winds were a challenge for most of the participants, even veteran America’s Cup and Whitbread sailor Mauro Pelaschier was on a learning curve: 'We sailed three days before the race, but in very light winds, so it was very exciting today, but difficult too as it’s not easy to trim the sails in the strong breeze. We’re training the crew, they’re doing a great job. We know the boat a little better in strong breeze, so we do something better tomorrow.'

The second and final race of the event is scheduled to take place tomorrow with the first warning signal at 12.00. North easterly winds of 15 to 18 knots are predicted.

Owners and guests will be relaxing tonight at an on board cocktail competition while a gala dinner will take place tomorrow evening, after the final prize giving in Piazza Azzurra.

Event site www.perininavicup.it www.yccs.it
Results: http://www.yccsresults.com/perini09/perini1.htm